Old ngulu

Jim McDougall · 29th June 2025, 08:39 PM

Well noted Marc, it does seem this form has one of the most distinctly associated purposes, while there do seem to be a degree of variations.
It seems like it would not be necessary to create such elaborate designs for a simply functional execution sword, however the symbolism is essential to create the psychological dynamics of its use.

The dramatic effect of the sword seems to be enhanced by key symbols and designs representing the power and authority of the chiefs and ruling entities of the people. It is truly amazing as you say, to see the creativity of the human psyche in the developing of such symbolism and dogma in cultures.

It is the western perceptions of these African cultures that have created all the lore and so called mysteries that have prevailed, much as noted by Christopher Spring. The often wildly elaborate designs and contours of the so called 'throwing knives' (some actually were used in that manner) are key example.

I have thought that perhaps some of these designs were deliberately elaborate to instill fear through omenous appearance, which was important in the manner of tribal confrontations. As mentioned sorcery and magic were powerfully held beliefs in these cultures, and the shapes suggested that blades were imbued with these powers. Possibly the interesting designs on the blades symbolically showed the presence of these entities.

These aspects of many ethnographic weapon forms are patently avoided in scholarly studies in most cases because metaphysical beliefs and such occult presences in decoration and design are outside empirical study methods.
Still we can develop reasonable theories through in depth study of the individual cultures which might help us understand these things.

29th June 2025, 08:39 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,337	Well noted Marc, it does seem this form has one of the most distinctly associated purposes, while there do seem to be a degree of variations. It seems like it would not be necessary to create such elaborate designs for a simply functional execution sword, however the symbolism is essential to create the psychological dynamics of its use. The dramatic effect of the sword seems to be enhanced by key symbols and designs representing the power and authority of the chiefs and ruling entities of the people. It is truly amazing as you say, to see the creativity of the human psyche in the developing of such symbolism and dogma in cultures. It is the western perceptions of these African cultures that have created all the lore and so called mysteries that have prevailed, much as noted by Christopher Spring. The often wildly elaborate designs and contours of the so called 'throwing knives' (some actually were used in that manner) are key example. I have thought that perhaps some of these designs were deliberately elaborate to instill fear through omenous appearance, which was important in the manner of tribal confrontations. As mentioned sorcery and magic were powerfully held beliefs in these cultures, and the shapes suggested that blades were imbued with these powers. Possibly the interesting designs on the blades symbolically showed the presence of these entities. These aspects of many ethnographic weapon forms are patently avoided in scholarly studies in most cases because metaphysical beliefs and such occult presences in decoration and design are outside empirical study methods. Still we can develop reasonable theories through in depth study of the individual cultures which might help us understand these things.